Introduction
Car insurance gives you peace of mind—until you need it and find out you’re not as protected as you thought. Many drivers assume their policy has them fully covered, but the reality can be very different. Gaps in coverage, outdated information, and misunderstandings can leave you paying out of pocket when an accident or emergency strikes.So, how do you know if your car insurance is really covering you? Here’s a smart checklist to review today to make sure you’re truly protected.
Check Your Liability Limits
Liability coverage is what pays for damage and injuries you cause to others in an accident. Most states have a minimum required amount—but that amount is often far too low to cover serious accidents.
What to check:
Are your liability limits at least 100/300/100 (that’s $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $100,000 for property damage)?
Would those amounts be enough to protect your assets if someone sues you?
Why it matters:
If you’re underinsured and cause a serious accident, you could be personally responsible for medical bills, repairs, and legal fees.
Make Sure You Have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
About 1 in 8 drivers in the U.S. is uninsured—and many more are underinsured. If one of them hits you, and you don’t have UM/UIM coverage, you could be left holding the bill.
What to check:Do you have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?
Are your coverage limits equal to your liability coverage?
Why it matters:
If you’re in a hit-and-run or hit by an uninsured driver, this is often the only coverage that protects you.
Review Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
These coverages protect your vehicle:Collision covers repairs if you hit another car or object.Comprehensive covers theft, vandalism, weather damage, falling objects, or hitting an animal.
What to check:
Do you have these coverages?
Are your deductibles reasonable (can you afford them if you need to file a claim)?
Is your vehicle worth enough to justify full coverage?
Why it matters:
Without these, you could lose thousands if your car is stolen, totaled, or damaged in a non-accident incident.
Understand What’s Not Covered
Even the best insurance doesn’t cover everything. There are common exclusions that can surprise you.
What to check:
Does your policy cover rental cars?
Do you have roadside assistance?
Are custom parts, electronics, or rideshare driving included?
Why it matters:
You may need to add specific riders or endorsements for full protection, especially if you drive for Uber/Lyft, or have expensive upgrades.
Check Who’s Covered to Drive Your Car
You may assume anyone who drives your car is covered—but that’s not always true.
What to check:
Are all household drivers listed on your policy?
Is there a “permissive use” clause (coverage for people you lend your car to)?
Are teen drivers or roommates properly insured?
Why it matters:
If someone drives your car and isn’t covered, your insurance could deny the claim—or worse, cancel your policy.
Confirm Your Coverage is Active and Accurate
Policies can be canceled or suspended without you noticing, especially if:
A payment was missed
Your address or vehicle info is outdated
Your driver’s license was suspended
What to check:
Confirm your policy is current and paid.
Verify vehicle info (VIN, make/model) is correct.
Check your license and registration status.
Why it matters:
Driving with a lapsed or inaccurate policy can result in denied claims, fines, or loss of coverage.
Ask About Hidden Limits and Restrictions
Sometimes insurers limit how much they’ll pay for certain claims.
What to check:
Is there a cap on rental reimbursement or towing?
Are glass repairs covered without a deductible?
Is there a mileage limit for roadside service?
Why it matters:
Small limits can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket expenses during emergencies.
Re-Evaluate After Major Life Changes
Any big change in your life can affect your insurance needs.
Update your policy if you’ve:
Moved to a new ZIP code
Gotten married or divorced
Added or removed a driver
Purchased or sold a car
Changed how you use your vehicle (e.g., for business or commuting)
Why it matters:
Outdated policies can lead to coverage gaps or premium increases later.
Conclusion:
The worst time to discover a problem with your insurance is after an accident happens. By taking a few minutes to check your policy today, you can avoid nasty surprises and make sure your coverage fits your needs—and your lifestyle.Need help reviewing your policy or comparing quotes? I can guide you through a checklist or help draft questions to ask your insurance agent.Would you like a simplified version of this for social media or print?